Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Honda Civic FD2R vs Honda Integra DC5R (My Malaysian Version Review)
I had a few calls regarding both mentioned cars. I have to admit both cars are nice but living in Malaysia you need to sort the pros and cons for both of them.
FD2R 4 Door, 4 Seater Vs DC5R 2 Door, 4 Seater
- Not to say you cant bring friends or family sitting behind but these days people are taller and bigger as the new generation eats well these days. A typical generalisation and stereotype for a family car is a sedan car. Anything bigger like the Honda Odyssey is even better. The DC5R might not be as comfortable as the FD2R at the back seats.
- FD2R makes a good family car with abit of umph under the hood. A DC5R is alright, just that during rainy days, u have to waste a few seconds to flip the Recaros for the back passenger to go in.
Young Adults Vs Adults
- It is in the blood that Honda Civic EF, EG, EK, EP and up to the FD series, mostly being driven by yound adults. They love Civics. No matter which generation, Civic owners tend to click with each other easily. Civics are affordable, trendy and common in the country.
- The Integras are mostly driven by working adults. Integras are not hot among the young adults as they are much more expensive and they do not seem to be common in everyones' brain databases. Integra has this prestige level where you know you are always on top of the Honda Civic regardless of generation. An Integra stock or modded is always the big brother of the Honda Civic.
Cheap Vs Expensive
- The new FD2R is being supplied by Honda Malaysia. It comes in Champion white only in Malaysia. Unless u decided to go through grey imports then you'll have silver, black or purple. The price OTR should be around RM198k brand new from Honda Malaysia.
- The DC5R comes in 2 models at the grey importers. I prefer the 1st generation DC5R since it has a very distintive outlook feature. The face-lifted model looks like another EK9 99-spec, yucks. Price for a reconditioned DC5 should be around RM155 to RM135 depending on year and modfication done.
Original Vs Conversion
- Due to the fact brand new and used parts are abundance, people are taking the opportunity and advantage to convert their FD Civics into FD2R regardless of interior, exterior and engine. It can never be an original but it bugs me when you have too many that same look on the road.
- Indeed you have the IS/Type-S DC5 but then again, you rarely see people buying them and pay so much money to convert them entirely. You do bump into converted Type-S at the importers's yard once in a bluemoon. You dont see DC5 and the DC5Rs often on the road.
Stock Vs Modded
- Anything on the FD2R is not cheap. Anything on the aftermarket list is not cheap. Even on the used parts section they are not cheap.
- The DC5R parts are cheaper used and brand new.
My personal views :
- If Honda Malaysia imports them in different colours, maybe my own brother had already put a deposit few months ago. Sadly to say only Championship white is being offered only, yucks.
- Since Honda released the Type-R many years ago, its already stamped on my head that a Type-R should be a 2-door car. Too bad they made the same models as the normal commerical versions that killed the uniqueness of the Type-R cars.
If i had to choose :
- The Honda Integra DC5R takes the cake. Its definite cheaper than the FD2R. It is still 4 seater, unless i have 3-5 kids, then a reasonable Honda Odyssey is logical.
- Do you really want to drive your folks or love ones at the back seat and drive 220km/h? Think about it. You can do it on both FD2R and DC5R once you remove the speed limiter but do think of safety reasons. You have lesser parts to diet on a DC5R.
- The DC5R is not like the ordinary "Civic" on the road. When i see the car, it jolts me like a lightning bolt. As much as the FD2R is getting all the praises and hoo-has, the DC5R is hideous yet a sleeping monster to be full-throttled.
- A Honda Civic will always be a Civic. A Honda Integra will always be an Integra.
What about the EP3R and S2K?
- The EP3R is the cheapest K-series Type-R in town. I'd go for a full Mugen kit and maybe a K24 block with ITBs to finish the story. No bad comments from me but i think everybody is favouring the FD2R more. If you are smart, this is the cheap K20AR in town.
- The S2K is nice. AP1 or AP2 i dont care. Fully Amuse widebody kit and maybe ITBs to finish the story also. No bad comments, just lack of enthusiasts in this country and maybe you'll feel lonely with the lack of parts and less S2K drivers.
I had to blog this due to the fact a few friends are interested and confused at the same time on which Type-R to upgrade. The options are widely open but do take account in the long run if you plan to sell it or keep it for good. Everything is all good if you know what you're doing. Some people are still lost souls to this very day.
Either you call it a family car or a sports car, its your personal definition and your money. Good luck.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Honda B-Series Reality Check (My Malaysian Version Review)
Last weekend i had a small gathering with bunch of Honda drivers. With the weather being unpredictable and the combination of fattening delicious Indian food, everything was good as the topic gets hotter all the time than the spicy mutton curry i had. The good thing is, i like to hangout with people that has a clear open mind towards any topic. Some friends we know has their own fanatic mindset and believe so much in what they know which makes hard for an open topic discussion. Being different is not a cool thing when ure doing it wrongly.
It's almost the end of 2008, after being away for about 4 years (not having a Honda) and still active online and offline with the Honda communities and scenes, i must say things have not really changed since year 2000. As we exchanged and commented our views/ideas, we managed to fix the big puzzle on what is still happening to this very day as we speak.
Healthy Competition Leads To Vicious Rivalry & Self-Destruction
Competition starts when u have a goal to win the trophy. To be better than someone else. And sometimes at the the same time to kill your own friend discreetly, ouch. To compete among friends is good if it helps both parties grow to be the best and at the end of the day,both share the cake.
These days, due to distinctive factors, people are willing to buy things secretly to so-called surprise everyone and unforgettably purchase an item which another best friend wants. Isnt sharing is caring these days?. Things do turn sour when communication stops and the secret agenda starts to boil in the person's heart. In the end, u lose a friend.
When insincerity crosses the line, i believe life has a special "gift" ready for you to make things even. Maybe a blown engine. Maybe an ugly car. Maybe life forces you to sell your car. "What comes around, goes around".
Scrooge McDuck Cost Saving Theory & Formula
These days if you have a b-series engine, things are affordable regardless of brands. Availability wise, parts are aplenty new and used. To be able to be "lucky" to purchase any new and used parts, u either buy them at the right time or be at the right place or both. There is definitely a need to go around far or near, weekend scouts and learn about the type or parts being brought in and the regular prices being sold.
The YEN currency exchange rates can be a reason for sellers to hike up the price but your personal budget is not a reason that you should be arguing to buy parts. I admit that sometimes im lucky and sometimes im not. When you have the money, the parts are not there. When you dont have the money, parts are piling above your head. The only trick to tackle this is to be firm with your decision and save for that particular parts. When the time comes, empty your pocket like a treasure hunter and hug the part like u never had it before. We call that appreciation and smart.
Everybody has patience, not everyone has perseverance to relax and enjoy the modification life. Being thrifty is good, being calculative is bad. Sometimes u buy cheap. Sometimes u buy expensive. Its a process of give and take. Good stuffs are not cheap. They come with good quality checks and they last longer. No point of purchasing branded parts when they are about to break and crumble like biscuits. Due to the fact its branded, ure enslaving and self-forcing yourself to purchase it. Stupid duck.
Monkey See, Monkey Do. Monkey Stuck Between The Bamboos
There are times when u make decision in an impulse. When that happens, your experience will navigate you to make the best choice. If your experience is weak, you'll always feel insecure. If you have experience, u have the sense of security on what to do next. What's with people following other people when they want to upgrade to something better? Too much insecurity maybe? Feeling being left out due to the fact newer is better than older? The only thing that makes u insecure and makes u decide with a fool decision when you cross the line blindly when others are not holding your hand. Well grow up!.
When it comes to b-series and the new k-series, you have to spend, let me rephrase that, invest on yourself to buy car books and magazines, spend a bit of time going to online forums. Spend some money on cakes and drinks during meet-ups. At the same time u expand your network of friends. There is no way you can know more and better without actually reading and compare your facts with other people. Unless u believe in your own theory i guess you can continue dreaming. Theoretically things do work.
In real life, engine does not perform well with assumptions, scepticals and stereotypes. Its all about personal investment, research and development. The more you invest, the more you get the answer. NASA is not a backyard shop that makes instant noodles and build rockets at the same time.
Tuned By Spoon-Fed
Whatever mods you do, always do some research and ask around. Asking around does not mean ure alerting the world ure building the fastest car in the world. Asking around is part of the learning curve. No harm of asking unless ure shy and a egoistic SOB. Having an ego the size of planet earth is not gonna win you anything, maybe it'll makes you stay and rot inside your closet for a long time. Try not to be a cry baby and expect everyone to nurse you and feed you with free flow information like a jugs of beers.
Life has some programs for you to pick your ass up and learn something of out it. Sitting behind the computer all day and hoping for a big ass gold to drop from the sky is nuisance. There is no such thing as the complete-extensive-comprehensive book that u can find and solve all your questions. U can compile all your findings and make such a book for yourself, not others.
It's almost the end of 2008, after being away for about 4 years (not having a Honda) and still active online and offline with the Honda communities and scenes, i must say things have not really changed since year 2000. As we exchanged and commented our views/ideas, we managed to fix the big puzzle on what is still happening to this very day as we speak.
Healthy Competition Leads To Vicious Rivalry & Self-Destruction
Competition starts when u have a goal to win the trophy. To be better than someone else. And sometimes at the the same time to kill your own friend discreetly, ouch. To compete among friends is good if it helps both parties grow to be the best and at the end of the day,both share the cake.
These days, due to distinctive factors, people are willing to buy things secretly to so-called surprise everyone and unforgettably purchase an item which another best friend wants. Isnt sharing is caring these days?. Things do turn sour when communication stops and the secret agenda starts to boil in the person's heart. In the end, u lose a friend.
When insincerity crosses the line, i believe life has a special "gift" ready for you to make things even. Maybe a blown engine. Maybe an ugly car. Maybe life forces you to sell your car. "What comes around, goes around".
Scrooge McDuck Cost Saving Theory & Formula
These days if you have a b-series engine, things are affordable regardless of brands. Availability wise, parts are aplenty new and used. To be able to be "lucky" to purchase any new and used parts, u either buy them at the right time or be at the right place or both. There is definitely a need to go around far or near, weekend scouts and learn about the type or parts being brought in and the regular prices being sold.
The YEN currency exchange rates can be a reason for sellers to hike up the price but your personal budget is not a reason that you should be arguing to buy parts. I admit that sometimes im lucky and sometimes im not. When you have the money, the parts are not there. When you dont have the money, parts are piling above your head. The only trick to tackle this is to be firm with your decision and save for that particular parts. When the time comes, empty your pocket like a treasure hunter and hug the part like u never had it before. We call that appreciation and smart.
Everybody has patience, not everyone has perseverance to relax and enjoy the modification life. Being thrifty is good, being calculative is bad. Sometimes u buy cheap. Sometimes u buy expensive. Its a process of give and take. Good stuffs are not cheap. They come with good quality checks and they last longer. No point of purchasing branded parts when they are about to break and crumble like biscuits. Due to the fact its branded, ure enslaving and self-forcing yourself to purchase it. Stupid duck.
Monkey See, Monkey Do. Monkey Stuck Between The Bamboos
There are times when u make decision in an impulse. When that happens, your experience will navigate you to make the best choice. If your experience is weak, you'll always feel insecure. If you have experience, u have the sense of security on what to do next. What's with people following other people when they want to upgrade to something better? Too much insecurity maybe? Feeling being left out due to the fact newer is better than older? The only thing that makes u insecure and makes u decide with a fool decision when you cross the line blindly when others are not holding your hand. Well grow up!.
When it comes to b-series and the new k-series, you have to spend, let me rephrase that, invest on yourself to buy car books and magazines, spend a bit of time going to online forums. Spend some money on cakes and drinks during meet-ups. At the same time u expand your network of friends. There is no way you can know more and better without actually reading and compare your facts with other people. Unless u believe in your own theory i guess you can continue dreaming. Theoretically things do work.
In real life, engine does not perform well with assumptions, scepticals and stereotypes. Its all about personal investment, research and development. The more you invest, the more you get the answer. NASA is not a backyard shop that makes instant noodles and build rockets at the same time.
Tuned By Spoon-Fed
Whatever mods you do, always do some research and ask around. Asking around does not mean ure alerting the world ure building the fastest car in the world. Asking around is part of the learning curve. No harm of asking unless ure shy and a egoistic SOB. Having an ego the size of planet earth is not gonna win you anything, maybe it'll makes you stay and rot inside your closet for a long time. Try not to be a cry baby and expect everyone to nurse you and feed you with free flow information like a jugs of beers.
Life has some programs for you to pick your ass up and learn something of out it. Sitting behind the computer all day and hoping for a big ass gold to drop from the sky is nuisance. There is no such thing as the complete-extensive-comprehensive book that u can find and solve all your questions. U can compile all your findings and make such a book for yourself, not others.
- Sooner or later b-series engines are gonna deplete and if there are any more left in the next 10 years either they are going to be expensive due to demand or seriously cheap since nobody wants to play with them. Just look at the old single cam and Si engines. Nobody wants to buy it even if its cheap. So lets look it both ways.
- If you plan to maintain and mods your engine, you should have a basic knowledge on what is going on with your car. A simple idea on how an engine works should be a good start. You dont have to be a professional to be an expert. Read the manuals and books for starters. Being lazy adds you to the dumbass statistics.
- Anything on a k-series is triple of a b-series. So dont try to act smart and think that having a stock k-series can do wonders. It takes triple more money to build a k-series monster.
- Since we are on the losing side of having a lower currency exchange rate, you are bound to save 3 times more than people in Singapore or London. Living in Malaysia with commitments can only make you buy a small toy each month or maybe a bigger toy every 3 months. Its a fact unless you earn RM10,000 or more after tax and deductions.
- Im going to say this for the 100th time, k-series is the future. This engine is going to live another 10-15 years unless Honda decide to change its design to a greener engine. Same goes the Evo-X Mitsubishi engine. Same goes with the R35 Nissan Skyline.
- DIY is not the answer to fix all things cheaply, if DIY can be done on all matters, we dont need engine builders in the world. A housewife with 5 kids can set a cam timing before a dyno run and tune Motec M800, duh!.
- If you like b-series, be prepared and equipped with knowledge. Understand the wear aand tear factors before even modding the car. Classics and antiques can be cheap and can be a headache sometimes.
- If budget is an issue all the time, stop playing Honda. Stay with the national production cars and you dont even have to bid for rare parts on Ebay.
The last time i blog something like this was about 2 years ago. I hope i dont have to blog something similar in 2010 which is 2 years from now.
Sepang Drag Battle 2008 Final Round - Review
Last weekend Drag Battle was good except for the never-ending problems with the timing display at the crossing line. Im wondering why the organiser doesnt seem obligated to fix this timing display problem? Since the drag battle is every bi-monthly, i think they have enough time to sort things out. They should prolly paste the results on the board like they did before for spectators. Other than that below are my reviews :
- Some cars did not pass during scrutineering. Due to safety issues, cars with fuel tanks inside the engine bay could not race. Where is the rules and regulations manual?
- Some cars which was supposed to win in their class did not win due to mechanical fault, and prolly revving and boosting beyond personal limits.
I'll prolly update the pix later when im free. Took too many pix this time. Im still sorting it out the best out of them.
Russ's Fully Modified Nissan Skyline R-34 GTR STOLEN. USD15,000 REWARD
ZTH News
http://www.zerotohundred.com/2008/auto-news/stolen-today-r34-gtr-from-apartment-parking-lot-join-the-search/
His Blog (Has been locked due to the incident)
http://ofloveandcarbonfibre.blogspot.com/
Russ's car has been stolen. It is very sad to know after all the efforts done, this is what he gets. I hope with everyones help, before this car reaches other continents or on the way to be chopped, please be on the lookout and contact the numbers given if you see the car.
This year alone there are so many single and mass car thefts around the Mutiara Damansara, Damansara Perdana, Damansara Damai, Kota Damansara and the infamous Palm Springs. I find that area to be a serious threat for modified cars espeically the apartments and condos. The area is between 1-Utama Mall to Bandar Sri Damansara.
I know it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere on any stock or even modded cars. But that particular location gives me the eerie feeling if i drive or park my car.
I dont know Russ personally but im too shocked to comment more about this incident. *sigh*
Friday, November 14, 2008
Chris's FD2R "Super Taikyu" Type-S Aerokit
I just got the greenlight from Chris to upload the pix which i have taken before the Aidilfitri holidays. Rain was pouring during the pix was taken.
According to Chris, he was the 1st lucky person to buy and fit the new Type-S kit in the world (good thing when ure a dealer). The new Type-S aerokit was used in the Super Taikyu endurance races in Japan.
Since Chris frequents to track, i believe this new aerokit will help him alot aerodynamically. On top of that, he just fited his new shoes, Volks Limited Edition RE-30 with a special width and offset for the FD2R.
The aerokit is officially out by J's Racing. This kit is too aggresive for me, i rike the previous kit.
According to Chris, he was the 1st lucky person to buy and fit the new Type-S kit in the world (good thing when ure a dealer). The new Type-S aerokit was used in the Super Taikyu endurance races in Japan.
Since Chris frequents to track, i believe this new aerokit will help him alot aerodynamically. On top of that, he just fited his new shoes, Volks Limited Edition RE-30 with a special width and offset for the FD2R.
The aerokit is officially out by J's Racing. This kit is too aggresive for me, i rike the previous kit.
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